Isiolo International Airport to be ready by January 2017

Meru, Garissa, Mandera, Marsabit, Samburu, and Tana River may in future rely on commuter links from the airport, which will also boost commerce in the region and ease export of meat and agricultural products.

By Oscar NdundaMonday, 05 Sep 2016 17:46 EAT

Construction work ongoing at the Isiolo International Airport.

The Isiolo International Airport will be open in January 2017, according to a top government official who inspected construction work at the site early today. The Sh2 billion airport is a major project under Kenya's Vision 2030 development blueprint and is expected to unlock the tourism and agricultural potential of Northern Kenya.

During an inspection tour at the airport, Transport Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera who was accompanied by Kenya Airports Authority's acting Managing Director Nicholas Bodo, said the contractor will finish the work in two months’ time. “Within the next six to eight weeks, all the critical elements should be complete,” said the PS. "The terminal building has been done well. It is one of the largest in the country. ” added Nyakera.

The airport will be ready to accommodate large aircraft since its runaway has been expanded from 1.4 kilometers to 2.5 kilometers. It enjoys a 4500 square meter passenger terminal expected to be handling over 125,000 passengers annually.

The airport is expected to promote growth and unlock the economic potential of the region. Such counties as Meru, Garissa, Mandera, Marsabit, Samburu, and Tana River may in future rely on commuter links from Isiolo International Airport, which will also boost commerce in the region and ease export of meat and agricultural products.

Earlier in May, East African Safari Air Express Director George Kivindyo said that the company was ready to operate from the airport once it is officially opened.